Hike #12: spotting wildlife in Meerdaal Forest

Location:  Meerdaal Forest
Distance: 8.9 km
Time: 2:20
With: Kristien

We were lucky - with the storms the previous evening and the storms that were predicted for later in the day, the time we had planned to walk together was actually dry and pleasant walking weather.  We did a big route through the forest.  At one magical moment, we suddenly noticed a young deer in a sort of clearing just off the trail.  We stopped to watch, expecting her to dart away, but she simply took notice of us and then continued leisurely foraging for food.   We stood there for several minutes, watching her, and then continued on.  Very cool!

Hike #11: Vinyards and Orchards!

With: Ingrid
Distance: 15 km
Time: 3 hours 40 minutes

Spring is just such a great time to do long walks.  We were very lucky with the weather this Saturday, too - no rain, not too warm, and not too sunny.  Perfect walking weather.  We set off from the village of Nieuwrode, a rural community in the Hageland region, which meant rolling hills, lots of orchards and vinyards would be on our path.  The countryside is idyllic at this time of year:

We passed many orchards with young apple trees; the blossoms were in full bloom:

There is a great network of paths through this area.

Finally we ended up making our way through a series of vinyards.  More and more wine is being produced in the Hageland area.  I'm going to have to buy some and do some taste testing!

A chapel out in the field, dedicated to Saint Joseph;

could he be the patron saint of wine?

Tired but happy we completed 15 kilometers!